CNN
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Tom Brady has apologized for “very poor choice of words” after comparing playing in the NFL to military action.
“Earlier this week I made a statement about playing football and the military and it was a very poor choice of words,” Brady told reporters during a regularly scheduled news conference Thursday.
“And I just want to convey that to all the feelings out there that maybe people took it a certain way, so I apologize.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who served and in the end we play a game and the military defends our country, they are two very different things and I shouldn’t have made the comparison.”
Brady opened up about the military on Monday while discussing his Let’s Go! with co-host Jim Gray and NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Podcast about the required mindset of top athletes.
Speaking of work-life balance, the seven-time Super Bowl winner said, “I look one football season almost like going into the military. And it’s like, ‘Man, here I am again.’”
At the press conference, Brady also asked questions about his and his team’s form after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ turbulent start to the season.
The Bucs’ 18-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday increased their season record to 3-3.
The bumpy start, along with Brady’s offseason retirement, reported marital issues and an 11-day leave of absence during preseason training camp “to deal with personal matters,” have cast doubt on the quarterback’s long-term commitment to playing.
When asked about the conclusion of this NFL season, Brady joked, “That’s really why I’m here — I’m here to finally announce that you guys have marginalized me.
“No, I think a lot of it for me is just us going out there, you know…” he continued more seriously. “I love the sport, I love the teammates and I want to do a great job for this team like I’ve always done so no retirement in my future.”